いただきます
The Japanese way to say "enjoy your meal" is いただきます.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase いただきます literally means "I humbly receive" or "I receive" in a humble form.
Did you know?
- The phrase is not just a greeting to the cook, but a way of showing gratitude to the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal.
- Unlike 'bon appétit', which is said to others, いただきます is a phrase said by the person who is actually about to eat.
- It is common to place both palms together in a prayer-like gesture while saying いただきます.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are sitting down for dinner at home.
- 蓮 Ren料理ができたよ。ryouri ga dekita yo.The food is ready.
- 陽葵 Himariわあ、おいしそう！waa, oishisou!Wow, it looks delicious!
- 蓮 Ren一緒にいただきます。isshoni itadakimasu.Let's enjoy our meal together.
- 陽葵 Himariいただきます！itadakimasu!Enjoy your meal!
